JP 3-0, page 34

Chapter I I-10 JP 3-0 national obligations derived from international treaties and agreements and national legislation complicate multinational operations. Regardless of other members’ treaty obligations or their lack of participation in a treaty, US forces will remain bound by US treaty obligations. (2) Command and Control of US Forces. By law, the President retains command authority over US forces. This includes the authority and responsibility to effectively plan for, organize, coordinate, control, employ, and protect these forces. Nevertheless, the President may deem it prudent or advantageous (for reasons such as maximizing military effectiveness and ensuring unified action) to place specific US forces under the control of a foreign commander to achieve specified military objectives. Even when operating under the operational control (OPCON) of a foreign commander, US commanders will maintain the capability to report separately to higher US military authorities. (3) Command and Control Structures. Alliances typically have developed command and control (C2) structures, systems, and procedures, with the predominant contributing nation providing the allied force commander. Staffs are integrated, and subordinate commands often are led by senior representatives from member nations. Shared doctrine, standardization agreements, close military cooperation, and robust diplomatic relations characterize alliances. Coalitions are less standardized and may adopt a parallel or lead-nation C2 structure or a combination of the two. In a parallel command construct, Commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces in southern Afghanistan, greets Afghan national army generals during a key leader engagement involving Afghan national army soldiers and local Nawa District officials at Patrol Base Jaker in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.